BEIJING — All levels of financial departments in China have allocated a total of 11.21 billion yuan (about $1.63 billion) by 12:00 am on Jan 26 to curb the spreading novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

The funds allocated were mainly used for the medical treatment and procurement of medical equipments and epidemic control materials, the MOF said in an online statement.

China will step up efforts to ensure adequate funding support for epidemic prevention and control, it added.

Up to 1,975 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, including 324 in critical condition, had been reported in the country by the end of Jan 25, according to Chinese health authorities.